ARKANSAS ST: Arkansas State dazzled in Hugh Freeze's first year as a head coach, going undefeated in conference play. Freeze bolted for a chance to coach in the SEC (at Ole Miss) and will be replaced by Gus Malzahn, a former Auburn offensive coordinator. Malzahn will be getting back offensive weapons in QB Ryan Aplin (3,588 yards, 19 TD, 16 INT) and WRs Taylor Stockemer (756 rec yds, 7 TD) and Josh Jarboe (730 rec yds): the receivers will need to replace the production of the departed Dwayne Frampton, who caught 94 passes for 1,156 yards last year. RB Frankie Jackson (355 rush yds, 6 TD) will be running behind an inexperienced offensive line. The Red Wolves return only three starters from last year's solid defense.

TROY: The 2011 season was a disastrous one for the Trojans, whose program had been consistently atop the Sun Belt from 2006-10. Troy struggled on defense (33.7 PPG, 465 YPG) and turned the ball over far too often on offense, contributing to a 3-9 record. There is some hope for this year's team, which has plenty of experience. Coming back on offense are QB Corey Robinson (3,411 pass yds, 21 TD, 15 INT), WR Eric Thomas (67 rec, 875 yds, 9 TD) and RB Shawn Southward (556 rush yds, 4 TD). The offensive line struggled at times last season and lost OT James Brown and C Zach Swindall, arguably their top two linemen. Defensively, this team will continue to have its issues. The secondary was a weakness last season and they are transitioning from a 3-4 to a 4-3 base. The linebackers are a strength, but Troy can't give up another 20 plays of 40+ yards (11 of 50+ yds), and still expect to compete for a Sun Belt title.